Escherichia coli as a cause of mortality in piglets in the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan

Abstract:

IN 1967, a pig unit was established at Wangchutaba, near Thimphu, the capital of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. The principal objective of the pig unit was to produce and distribute robust young breeding pigs to farmers in rural communities across the country. In 1977, the unit expanded and, in 1978, a National Pig Breeding Centre (NPBC) was established at Serbithang. Foundation stock included the saddleback and large white brought in from India and, later, the white Duroc and large black were introduced from Thailand and the UK (Halliwell 1994). The original Wangchutaba unit, with 40 breeding sows, also developed a fattening unit to supply pig meat to the population of Thimphu, and two other breeding units were established in other dzongkhags (regions) of the country (Sarbang and Limitang). Routine veterinary care for sows at all centres included vaccination against swine fever and the use of a benzimidazole or ivermectin (Ivomec; MSD AGVET) product for parasite control. At all breeding centres there was a wide variation in piglet size and rate of weight gain, leading to bullying and an uneven distribution of feed resources.